86 Digest - Spring 2024

Mark Masons’ Hall Periodic Newsletter | Spring 2024

86 Digest

In this Issue MMH News | Grand Meetings | Installations | Consecrations | Upcoming Events | Charity Updates | Shop & Dining at 86 | Calendar of Annual Meetings

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Mark Masons’ Hall MMH News

Spring 2024

Welcome to our new series of Periodic Newsletters ... and to the inaugural issue of our periodic newsletter, 86 Digest - Spring 2024.

Our periodic newsletter will showcase the significant events, reminiscing on cherished memories, notable achievements, and the bonds of our Brethren. Every one of our special Orders offers a unique experience to members.

Congratulations to all those who received their Grand Ranks/Honours, and a very warm welcome to all our new members who have joined our Orders.

Important Notice: Please provide details of forthcoming fundraising events in your Province/District for advertising in our upcoming special edition of periodic newsletters. We are happy to offer help with creating a flyer if you do not have a poster for your event.

Additionally, we encourage you to share our newsletter with your friends so they can subscribe to our weekly and periodic updates. We also provide daily updates on our social media channels for fresh content.

To contribute articles for inclusion in the weekly and periodic newsletters about noteworthy events in your Province/District, please send relevant photos and accompanying text to communications@mmh.org.uk. Alternatively, you can always reach out to Vimee Patel, Communications and Digital Marketing Officer at +44 73 9463 8233 (WhatsApp only) or call directly on 020 7747 1188 You can always read all of our past weekly newsletters for the year 2024 via this link here.

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Mark Masons’ Hall MMH News

Spring 2024

CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations to V.W.Bro. Dan Heath for his recent elevation to the esteemed role of Grand Secretary for the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons! Dan was officially Installed as our Grand Secretary on 12 March 2024, during the March Quarterly Communication of Mark Grand Lodge 2024. We extend our sincerest wishes for success and trust that he will find fulfilment in his new role.

WELCOME

W.Bro. Derek Mersh has moved up to Assistant Grand Secretary. With immediate effect he will be Assistant to the Grand Secretary and then be Invested with the Rank of Assistant Grand Secretary or equivalent as the Investiture meetings come around.

Staffing update W.Bro. Mike Caseman-Jones will be joining us on Tuesday, 2 April, as the other Assistant Grand Secretary, also starting as Assistant to the Grand Secretary and then invested with the Ranks as he qualifies for them. Mike was Prov.G.Sec. for the Craft Province of Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire and is currently an Assistant Provincial Grand Master for the Province, as well as a former Senior Grand Deacon in the Craft. He is, or has been, a member of many of our Orders.

W.Bro. Alan Brumwell will join us on Monday, 3 June as Deputy Grand Secretary and follow the same series of appointments as he qualifies. Alan has held much the same office in the Rose Croix administration at Duke Street and will be well known to many here through his work at Duke Street and the higher degree dinners held here.

On Wednesday, 1 May, R.W.Bro. James Hilditch joined as Grand Treasurer in succession to the late John Howitt, and then Graham Flight in the interim. James is also well known to us as Past Provincial Grand Master for the Mark Province of Oxfordshire.

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Mark Masons’ Hall Grand Meetings

Spring 2024

Mark Quarterly Communications (12 March 2024) On Tuesday, 12 March 2024, Mark Brethren from across the Constitution arrived at Freemasons’ Hall for the March Quarterly Communication of Mark Grand Lodge.

M.W.Bro. John Herbert Prizeman, Pro Grand Master, was the Presiding Officer, accompanied by R.W.Bro. Francis Charles Spencer, Dep.G.M., and R.W.Bro. Prof. Denovan Keith Wilson, A.G.M. The meeting having been opened, and the Memoriam to Brethren called to higher service having been marked, the next item of business was for the Pro Grand Master to invest V.W.Bro. Dan Heath, P.G.J.O., as Grand Secretary.

Following further items of business, it was then time to elect the Most Worshipful Grand Master. W.Bro. Sebastian Daly, Prov.G.D.C. of Cheshire, rose to propose the reelection of Most Worshipful Brother His Royal Highness, Prince Michael of Kent, Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order, as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of England and Wales and its Districts and Lodges Overseas.

This was seconded by the President of the General Board and greeted with acclamation, and the proclamation by the Grand Director of Ceremonies followed.

R.W.Bro. James Hilditch, Past Provincial Grand Master for Oxfordshire, was then elected as Grand Treasurer.

And then we embarked on what has become the highlight of the March meeting, a review of the work of the Mark Benevolent Fund over the past 12 months.

The President of the M.B.F., R.W.Bro. Archie Torrance, outlined the recent grants made by the M.B.F., which totalled £400,446.

Grand Lodge was called off and the President of the M.B.F. retired, with other representative Trustees, in order to be readmitted in procession, bearing the ‘Portal Jewel’, the symbol of, and link to, the Founder of the Mark Benevolent Fund, Reverend George Raymond Portal.

The Brethren then rose to welcome representatives from two selected charities. From the Irene Taylor Trust, an organisation bringing music tuition into prisons: Funding and Communications Director, Luke Bowyer; Projects and Progression Coordinator Kitya Mark; and singer and songwriter, Darren Clugg.

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Pro Grand Master – R.W.Bro. John Herbert Prizeman

Mark Masons’ Hall Grand Meetings

Spring 2024

And from ShelterBox, the charity providing disaster relief and humanitarian aid, Trustee James Sinclair Taylor. Also processing into Grand Lodge was the 2024 M.B.F. Festival Team, led by the Festival President, R.W.Bro. Gary Horstman, Prov.G.M. for Cheshire.

There were several addresses given, relating to the progress of the M.B.F., its activities in 2023, and how to go about securing grants for funding of worthy causes.

Also an update on the 2024 M.B.F. Festival, and the formal launch of the Grand Master’s Keystone Fund.

You can read the text of these addresses here We then heard from ShelterBox Trustee James Sinclair Taylor who received a cheque for £50,000 for their efforts in the current troubled regions of the world. And Darren Clugg, from the Irene Taylor Trust, entertained us with 2 of his own compositions, and the story of how the music project had helped him through his time in prison, and kept him on the straight and narrow following his return to the community.

At the meal afterwards a cheque for £500 was presented to the Irene Taylor Trust, which we hope to follow up with a full funding exercise for one of their projects.

The guests then retired and Grand Lodge was called on. The Pro Grand Master rose to address the Brethren, starting with another cheque presentation, to W.Bro. Sir Michael Snider, P.G.Swd.B., Craft Metropolitan Grand Master, this time for £100,000 to go towards the London Freemasons’ support for London’s Air Ambulance Charity. This was greeted with great acclamation by the Brethren.

M.W.Bro. Prizeman then introduced his counterpart in the Craft, R.W.Bro. Jonathan Spence, P.G.S.W., Pro Grand Master of UGLE. R.W.Bro. Spence talked about the strong bonds now developing between the Craft & Royal Arch and the Mark and other M.M.H. administered Companion Orders. The message is very clear, we are all Freemasons, and working together and choosing a path of Masonic progression through the Royal Arch and Companion Orders is a strength and benefit for all concerned. To succeed, we must nurture our Craft Lodges and keep them fresh and vibrant with new members, encourage the retention of existing members, deliver high quality ceremonies at well-attended meetings and, above all, provide a happy, warm and welcoming environment for like-minded Brethren to enjoy the fraternal bonds that Freemasonry has to offer. These members then promulgate through the other Orders, bringing with them enthusiasm and freshness, which helps them grow and flourish as a result.

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Mark Masons’ Hall Grand Meetings

Spring 2024

R.W.Bro. Spence then informed Brethren that, for the first time ever, he had invited the Pro Grand Master of the Mark to similarly address the Quarterly Communication of UGLE the following day. More on this later. M.W.Bro. Prizeman thanked the Craft Pro Grand Master for his address and concluded his own address, welcoming guests from other Constitutions, Brethren from overseas, and Heads of Orders.

He then thanked W.Bro. Darren Coleman-Heald, P.G.S.D., Charities Manager, and the rest of the team at M.M.H. who had put so much work into the charitable side of the day’s meeting, and the G.D.C. and his team for the ceremonial arrangements for the day.

The Brethren then retired to a very enjoyable meal in great numbers at the Grand Connaught Room, and the buzz around the dining hall paid testament to the thoroughly enjoyable time Brethren had experienced during this annual celebration of the fantastic achievements of the Mark Benevolent Fund.

You can read a full transcript of the Pro Grand Master’s address here, and find videos relating to the M.B.F. presentation here - Part 1, Part 2 & The ShelterBox Video.

We mentioned the Pro Grand Master being invited to address the meeting of UGLE on Wednesday.

This he did, with a powerful and passionate speech highlighting the importance of our continued and ever-improving working relationship with the Craft which brought the full-house attendance in the Grand Temple to its feet in warm and appreciative applause as he returned to his seat.

You can read a full transcript of that address here Click here to get a taste of what it was like at the Mark Grand Lodge Meeting 2024

The Grand Master’s Keystone Fund celebrates over 40 years of dedicated service by our Grand Master, H.R.H. Prince Michael of Kent, GCVO. Your donations help raise funds for a new Bursary Scheme to support and encourage students embarking on vocational, educational and sporting studies. Jewels and buttons are also available in the colours of each of the Orders administered from Mark Masons’ Hall. The Fund has already raised over £83,000 and with your help we anticipate the first bursaries will be awarded for courses of study in 2025.

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Mark Masons’ Hall Grand Meetings

Spring 2024

Royal and Select Masters Grand Council 2024 (16 April 2024) On Tuesday, 16 April, the Grand Temple at the Freemasons’ Hall, Great Queen Street, London, saw in excess of 400 Companions of the Order of Royal and Select Masters in attendance at the annual meeting of Grand Council 2024. Taking centre stage was the new Ark of the Covenant which was dedicated at the special Sesquicentenary meeting last October.

The meeting was presided over by Grand Master, M.Ill.Comp. Kessick John Jones, IX, in his usual warm and welcoming manner.

After the initial business of Grand Council had been completed, the Deputy Grand Master, R.Ill.Comp.

His Hon. Ian Alexander, KC, IX, gave a heartfelt proposition of the re-election of the Grand Master which was seconded by R.Ill.Comp. Lt Cdr John Chambers, P.G.P.C.W., acting as G.P.C.W. This was received with due acclamation.

The Grand Master gave a brief response to his re-election before turning his attention to the Deputy Grand Master, who was occupying the chair for the last time.

The Grand Master paid a warm and sincere tribute to his Deputy, thanking him for his years of dedicated service and wise counsel.

Then came the installation of R.Ill.Comp. Paul Anthony Norman, IX, as Dep.G.M., and the installation of R.Ill.Comp. Norman Dunkeld Millburn, IX, as G.P.C.W.

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Mark Masons’ Hall Grand Meetings

Spring 2024

This being achieved, the Grand Master was delighted to confer Appointment to, or Promotion in, Grand Rank, on 147 Brethren and invest those present.

The Grand Master then gave his address (follow link below) and was then extremely pleased to welcome representatives from around the world, including: France, South and East Caribbean, South East Asia, Florida, India, Sri Lanka, Finland and Belgium; as well as the heads of other Masonic Orders who were attending to give their usual support to the meeting.

Thank you to all those who made such an effort to be present and make it a special occasion for their Companions and friends receiving Grand Rank. Our congratulations to all the recipients. We hope you had a very enjoyable day.

You can read the text of the Grand Master’s address here.

Click here to get a taste of what it was like at the Royal and Select Masters Grand Council 2024

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Mark Masons’ Hall Installations

Spring 2024

Installations (01 January 2024 - 30 April 2024)

Installation of Ill.Comp. William Emrys Jenkins, as District Grand Master for South Wales (02 March 2024)

Installation of Ill.Comp. Geoffrey Catterall as District Grand Master for Lancashire (17 February 2024)

On Saturday, 2 March 2024, there was a well attended Installation ceremony in Swansea for the new District Grand Master for South Wales.

The Grand Master, M.Ill.Comp. Kessick John Jones, IX, accompanied by his team, is pictured with the new District Grand Master, R.Ill.Comp.

William Emrys Jenkins, who proceeded to reappoint Ill.Comp. Stephen Elfan Bell as Deputy District Grand Master and Ill.Comp. Stephen David Bassett as Principal Conductor of the Work.

Saturday, 17 February 2024, saw a well attended Installation meeting at Preston Masonic Hall. The Grand Master, M.Ill.Comp. Kessick John Jones, IX, accompanied by his team, is pictured with the new District Grand Master, R.Ill.Comp. Geoffrey Catterall.

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Installation of W.Bro. Richard Mayers as District Grand Master for South & East Caribbean (23 March 2024)

Installation of Ill.Comp. William Agnew Caughie as District Grand Master for Surrey (23 March 2024)

On 23 March 2024, R.W.Bro. Francis C. Spencer, Deputy Grand Master (M.M.M.), M.Wy.Bro. Andrew C. Sweeney, Grand Supreme Ruler (O.S.M.), and M.Dist.Comp. Ian S. Currans, Grand Summus (O.S.C.), all worked together to Install R.W.Bro. Richard Anthony Mayers, JP, as the new District Grand Master for South and East Caribbean, in Barbados. Grand Masters from the Companion Orders administrated from Mark Masons’ Hall, and Mark Master Masons from other constitutions all joining together to support a very well-liked and respected Freemason in this area of the world.

On 23 March 2024, at the Annual Meeting of the District Grand Council of Surrey at Croydon and District Masonic Hall, the members were honoured by the presence of the Grand Master, M.Ill.Comp. Kessick John Jones, IX. There were also many heads of other Orders in Surrey attending to support the District Grand Master Designate, Ill.Comp. Bill Caughie, G.Swd.B. The Most Illustrious Grand Master, the Installing Officer, addressed the Brethren on the purpose of the meeting and began the Installation of Ill.Comp. Bill Caughie as the District Grand Master for Surrey. After the Grand Chaplain had offered a prayer the District Grand Master Designate took his obligation and was invested and Installed in the chair by the Grand Master.

As the meeting got underway the Grand Team entered and treated the Mark Brethren to an excellent ceremony headed up by R.W.Bro. Francis Spencer and the Grand Director of Ceremonies, V.W.Bro. Christopher Davies, who controlled the proceedings in an impeccable manner. There was one last surprise of a field appointment for a very well deserving and longstanding District member, W.Bro. Michael Winston Smith. After the Grand Team retired from the Lodge, Richard took control of the District Grand Lodge to invest his District Officers along with District’s R.A.M. Grand Ranks.

R.Ill.Comp. Bill Caughie was then proclaimed and saluted under the direction of the Grand Director of Ceremonies. The District Grand Master announced the appointment of Ill.Comp. Tim Ford as Deputy District Grand Master, and Ill.Comp. Simon McCarthy, P.G.Cond.C., as District Grand Principal Conductor of the Work. After refreshments the installed were called in for lunch and there was a most convivial atmosphere in the dining room. It was a memorable day.

At the festive board the attendees enjoyed what only can be described as a spectacular Bajan Buffet Feast of food and drink.

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Mark Masons’ Hall Consecrations

Spring 2024

Consecrations (01 January 2024 - 30 April 2024)

Consecration of Akra Leuka Lodge of M.M.M. No. 2056

Consecration of the Dennis Slights Conclave No. 635

On 17 January 2024, the Dennis Slights Conclave No. 635 was Consecrated at Goole.

The Grand Supreme Ruler, M.Wy.Bro. Andrew Christopher Sweeney, was in attendance with the Deputy Grand Supreme Ruler, R.Wy.Bro. Keith Berwick Ferguson, assisted by 11 Officers of Grand Conclave along with 6 members of the Grand Arch of Steel. Following an excellent Consecration, R.Wy.Bro. Keith Berwick Ferguson Installed Wy.Bro. Stephen Priestley as the Primus Supreme Ruler, V.Wy.Bro. Alan Beardmore was invested as Counsellor and Bro. Richard Cowlin invested as the Guide. The 20 Founders present were all invested as Officers of the Conclave. A joining member and 3 new members were proposed under the business of the Conclave.

77 Brethren enjoyed a wonderful festive board provided by Leanne from York.

On 13 January 2024, the Akra Leuka Lodge of Mark Master Masons No. 2056 in Alicante was officially Consecrated with a ceremony led by the Deputy Grand Master and a group of Brethren.

After a delightful ritual and the Installation of the Worshipful Master and his Officers, all attendees gathered for a cheerful festive board.

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Mark Masons’ Hall Consecrations

Spring 2024

Consecration of Carniola Preceptory No. 728

Consecration of Benjamin Addy Lodge of R.A.M. No. 1107

On 12 April 2024, 14 Petitioning Knights journeyed from Slovenia to attend the Consecration, along with a team of Great Priory Officers led by the Most Eminent and Supreme Grand Master, Paul Raymond Clement, G.C.T.

On 29 January 2024, at Dukinfield Masonic Hall, Benjamin Addy, Past Pro Grand Master, dazzled the assembled Royal Ark Mariners with his shining display of Masonic knowledge when he became the first Commander of the Benjamin Addy Lodge of R.A.M. No. 1107, and Consecrated by the Provincial Grand Master of Cheshire, R.W.Bro. Gary Raymond Horstman. At the tender age of 89, only 2 weeks away from his 90th birthday, Ben led the team of founding members of the Lodge and showed them that age is no barrier in the R.A.M. degree. In true R.A.M. tradition, and making due reference to Noah and his escape, he welcomed 2 Brothers, 2 Worshipful Brothers, 2 Right Worshipful Brothers, 2 leaders from other R.A.M. Provinces, and 2 heads of Companion Orders, including both the past and current Provincial Grand Master of the Craft in Cheshire; a great turn out which proved once again that Masons across the world will always offer support to their Brethren.

Following the Consecration, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, John Miller, Installed Ben as the first Commander, the Officers of the Lodge were appointed, and the Lodge thanked the Provincial Grand Master and members of the team by making them honorary members of the Lodge. The festive board was filled with laughter as members and guests intermingled to ensure new friendships were formed.

The meeting commenced with the opening led by the Most Eminent and Supreme Grand Master, supported by the Consecrating Team Officers. Subsequently, the Great Prelate R.E.Kt. Revd Malcolm Lane, JP, K.C.T., delivered an oration on the Tenets, Precepts, and Christian values of the Order.

The Preceptory was then Consecrated with reverence and solemnity by the Most Eminent and Supreme Grand Master Paul Raymond Clement, G.C.T., assisted by the Great Prelate R.E.Kt. Revd Malcolm Lane, JP, K.C.T.

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Mark Masons’ Hall Consecrations

Spring 2024

Consecration of The Mamucium Conclave No. 534

Consecration Lodge of R.A.M. Lodge Irenic No. of 899Irenic consecrated, London R.A.M. No. 899

On 31 January 2024, the Grand Sovereign M.Ill.Kt. Graham L. Flight and The Grand Eusebius Rt.Ill. & Ven.Kt. The Revd Timothy J. N. L’Estrange G.C.C. joined the Knights of the Division of North and East Lancashire at Manchester Hall, to Consecrate The Mamucium Conclave No. 534, in the Order of the Red Cross of Constantine. The Conclave was devised to bring Red Cross Freemasonry back to Manchester where it has not had a presence for several years since County Palatine Conclave No. 50 left the venue, and caters for those Knights who have a preference for fine dining, something which Manchester Hall offers to an excellent standard. The Conclave is named after the Roman fort founded in the city in 79AD, and boasts the Deputy Grand Sovereign and 6 Right Illustrious Knights as founding members, including the IntendantGeneral of the Division, R.Ill.Kt. Stephen Bolton.

Rt.Ill.Kt. Nigel Graham Bramley-Haworth, P.Int.Gen., was enthroned as the Primus Sovereign and Ill.Kt. J. Christopher Welton as Eusebius.

The Consecration ceremony took place in the Goulburn suite which held more than 75 Worthy Knights, including the Grand Conclave Officers and the Grand Sepulchre Guard. Following the retirement of the team, the closing business of the Conclave saw nominations for a seventh Right Illustrious member and 2 candidates for Installation at the next meeting. Worthy Knights then enjoyed a champagne reception and a sumptuous meal during a relaxed and convivial social board, rounding off a most enjoyable day.

On 10 February 2024, R.W.Bro. Tom Quinn, Provincial Grand Master of the Mark Province of London, and his team arrived at Mark Masons' Hall bright and early to prepare for the latest Royal Ark Mariner Consecration: Irenic Lodge No. 899. Tom was the Consecrating Officer and he was assisted by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, V.W.Bro. Tim MacAndrews, P.G.J.O., as the Installing Officer, and the Provincial Team. After a wonderful ceremony the Brethren of the newest R.A.M. Lodge enjoyed a drinks reception and an excellent festive board, at which the Primus Commander, V.W.Bro. Ben Dykes, P.G.J.O., P.Prov.G.J.W. (London) and Deputy Provincial Grand Master for Monmouthshire, presented R.W.Bro. Tom Quinn with a bottle of Welsh whisky to say "diolch" for his work in the Grand Temple.

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Mark Masons’ Hall Consecrations

Spring 2024

Consecration Deva Victrix Council No. 346

Consecration of St Lawrence’s R.A.M. Lodge Irenic No. 899 consecrated, London Treasure Council No. 285

On 13 April 2024, the Grand Master of the Allied Masonic Degrees, Most Worshipful Brother Thomas Firth Jackson, and a small team of Grand Officers, paid a flying visit to Greece to Consecrate St Lawrence’s Treasure Council No. 285 in Thessaloniki. There are already 3 A.M.D. Councils meeting in Greece but this fourth Council is the first to meet in the north of the country. The idea was conceived back in 2019 but with the intervention of the Covid pandemic it has taken longer than usual to bring the project to fruition. However, the Grand Council team arrived to find the Petitioners and visitors from the other Councils bursting with enthusiasm for their Allied Freemasonry and this new Council in particular.

On Thursday, 21 March 2024, the Grand Master, M.Ill.Comp. Kessick John Jones, IX, the Consecrating Officer, paid a visit to Cheshire View Masonic Centre, to Consecrate Deva Victrix Council No. 346. In an excellent ceremony, presided over by the Grand Master, M.Ill.Comp. Kessick John Jones, IX, the Deputy Grand Master, R.Ill.Comp. Ian Douglas Alexander, KC, IX, and Installing Officer, Rt.Ill.Comp. Bryan Hughes, Dist.G.M. also attended this meeting.

The photo shows the founders of Deva Victrix: T.I.M. Rt.Ill.Comp. Shaun Barry Crutchley, P.Dist.G.M. D.M. Ill.Comp. Ian Dingwall, Grand Steward; P.C.W. Ill.Comp. Leo Paul Saunders, Dist.G.Capt.G.

They were treated to an excellent ceremony, presided over by the Grand Master and ceremonially led by the G.D.C., V.W.Bro. Glyn Goddard, who was also the Installing Officer.

The Petitioners played their parts perfectly, and they were very grateful for the assistance of Greek Brethren from the southern Councils who acted as Grand Chaplain; Grand Sword Bearer (Bro. Dimitrios Vachtsevanis); Grand Standard Bearer (Bro. Bob Voukatidis); and Grand Inner Guard (W.Bro. Konstantinos Korontzis, A.O.G.R.). As debutants in these rolls, following rehearsals, they performed their duties like seasoned professionals and the oration by the acting Grand Chaplain, W.Bro. Christos Pouris, A.O.G.R., was a particular pleasure to listen to.

We must thank our host Brethren of the Council whose hospitality and warmth of welcome was far beyond what we could have expected.

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Mark Masons’ Hall Consecrations

Spring 2024

Consecration of Vasile Stroescu Lodge of M.M.M. No. 2057

Consecration of the Portuscale Fidelis Conclave No. 636

The Deputy Grand Master of the Mark Master Masons, R.W.Bro. Frank Spencer, assisted by R.W.Bro. Derek Thomas, P.Prov.G.M. (Monmouthshire) and Christopher Davies, G.D.C., together with other foreign guests from France, Italy and Austria (Thierry Savatier, Personal Assistant of the District Grand Master (France), Gianni Onorati, P.A.G.D.C., and Thomas Buchsbaum, P.J.G.D.) and with the Grand Officers of the Romanian District, led by R.W.Bro. Cristian Mihutoiu, District Grand Master for Romania, Consecrated a new Mark Lodge on 24 February 2024. It is named after the academician Vasile Stroescu, who was a Romanian democrat, writer, intellectual, reformer, journalist, and political activist who was influential in the formation of the Romanian Modern State and the struggle for political union of the Romanian nation. The musical programme was performed by P.Dist.G.S.O. Christopher Malpus, who travelled to Cluj-Napoca with Royston Morris, P.Dist.G.S.W. and Julian Morris. The celebration lunch was a very friendly occasion attended by about 130 members of the Order, followed by a Gala Dinner where over 100 Brethren with their families celebrated the Dragobete Fest - a specific Romanian festival dedicated to love and friendship. The Gala Dinner was completed with an entertaining fireworks show and with the announcement that the new Vasile Stroescu Lodge will offer, in the next academic year, scholarships for students that cannot afford tuition fees.

The Grand Supreme Ruler, M.Wy.Bro. Andrew Christopher Sweeney, accompanied by the Deputy Grand Supreme Ruler, R.Wy.Bro. Keith Berwick Ferguson, the Grand Director of Ceremonies, R.Wy.Bro. Raymond Stewart Ellis, and 8 Officers of Grand Conclave travelled to Portugal for the Consecration of the Portuscale Fidelis Conclave No. 636. The Conclave becomes the 3rd in Portugal, and will be based in Porto. Following the Consecration, Wy.Bro. Pedro Chagas Ramos was Installed as Supreme Ruler, Bro. Firmino Martins Marques as Counsellor and Bro. Pedro Miguel De Oliviera Brito as Guide.

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The celebration dinner was a very warm and friendly occasion attended by about 40 members of the Order. The Grand Supreme Ruler announced that as a result of the new Conclave, Portugal would become an Inspectorate. This would be confirmed at the Grand Meeting of the Order in November.

Following the meeting, Wy.Bro. Jose Luis Rebelo Afonso, the Organising Secretary, and members of the new Conclave entertained the Grand Supreme Ruler and his Team to a boat trip on the River Duoro, and a visit to a port cellar. The whole day was a great success and very much enjoyed by everyone.

Mark Masons’ Hall Future Events

Spring 2024

Future Events Support towards our fund raising

A group of Cheshire Mark Masons, each mounted on their reliable Suzuki Van Van motorcycles, will embark on a journey from Lands End to John O’Groats. Their goal is to complete the trip in approximately 7 days, maintaining an average speed of 30-40 mph.

This adventure will take place between 14 June 20 June, 2024. It marks the final fundraising challenge before the conclusion of the 2024 Cheshire M.B.F. festival.

The Van Van Challenge

Show your support for the team by clicking on the link provided here or scanning the QR Code.

01 May to 11 May 2024

Five Peaks Challenge In aid of the Cheshire 2024 festival, support the Cheshire Mark Masons hiking on their epic journey in aid of the C.P.M.B.F. Contact: David2024festival@outlook.com

Click here or scan the QR Code to support

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Mark Masons’ Hall Future Events

Spring 2024

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Mark Masons’ Hall Future Events

Spring 2024

Cheshire Festival Banquet 156th Mark Benevolent Fund Festival will be held in the Province of Cheshire over the weekend of Friday, 05 July - Saturday, 06 July 2024.

The 156th M.B.F. Festival Gala Banquet will be held at the Concorde Centre on Saturday, 06 July 2024, to celebrate the finale of the 2024 M.B.F. Cheshire Festival. Transport to the venue will be available from 17:00 at the Marriott (Delta), Holiday Inn, and Premier Inn Hotels. Pre-booked transport will be available back to the hotels from 22:45. The Festival Banquet reception will commence at 18:00 with a complimentary drink on arrival. The external patio & pagoda areas are also available and you can ‘plane spot’ across the runways. The Festival Banquet will commence at 19:30. A full bar service will be available, please note it will close during the speeches. Following the dinner, the Grand Secretary will commence proceedings including the ‘Big Reveal’. The Provincial Grand Master, Festival President, will conclude the evening with a closing speech.

Saturday Dress Code: Brethren & Gentlemen: This is a Black-Tie Event, Lodge Past Masters, Provincial Grand Lodge Officers (Past & Active), Grand Lodge Officers (Past & Active) are permitted to wear their respective Collar and Jewel. Provincial & District Leaders are permitted to wear their respective Chain of Office; Brethren: M.B.F. Collarette can be worn; Ladies: Formal Evening Dress; Ladies may wear their M.B.F. broach if they wish.

Full details and the booking form can be located: HERE Friday — Meet & Greet Party: Join us on Friday evening at the Brasserie Bar in the Marriott Hotel lobby for a warm Cheshire welcome as we gather with friends from across the country.

From 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., enjoy a casual 'meet & greet' with a complimentary welcome drink and finger buffet, featuring vegan and vegetarian options, along with entertainment. For those seeking a quieter atmosphere, the patio will be available for conversation away from the music. Tickets are priced at £25 per person. Reserve your place via the booking form. Dress code for Friday is casual attire for both ladies and gentlemen, excluding jeans or shorts.

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Book now

Mark Masons’ Hall Charity Updates

Spring 2024

W.BRO. DARREN W. COLEMAN‑HEALD, P.G.S.D. Charities manager Meet Darren Coleman-Heald, the Charities Manager at Mark Masons’ Hall. Darren oversees 5 charitable funds administered from Mark Masons’ Hall, which are; the Mark Benevolent Fund, the O.S.M. and K.T. Benevolent Funds, the R.C.C. Grand Sovereign’s Care for Children Fund and the Grand Master’s Keystone Fund.

Darren is the person to reach out to for help or guidance regarding various aspects of charitable work, including processing applications for charities like the Mark Benevolent Fund, O.S.M. & K.T. Benevolent Funds, and R.C.C. Grand Sovereign’s Care for Children Fund. He can also assist with grants, petitions, M.B.F. festivals, almoner inquiries, organising M.B.F. seminars, as well as addressing any queries from Lodge or Provincial almoners.

Darren’s contact details: d.coleman@mmh.org.uk

Following are the Benevolent Masonic Funds administered from Mark Masons’ Hall

Grand Master’s Keystone Fund

The Mark Benevolent Fund

K.T. Benevolent Fund

O.S.M. Benevolent Fund

R.C.C. Benevolent Fund

Please Note For inquiries regarding the purchase of M.B.F. or Grand Master’s Keystone Fund’s Jewels and the Knights Templar Swift Pins, please contact our Finance Charities Manager, Linda Read, at l.read@mmh.org.uk

Information and downloadable forms for all the Masonic charities administered from Mark Masons’ Hall can be found on the Grand Lodge website.

18

Mark Masons’ Hall Charity Updates

Spring 2024

TOTAL DONATIONS MADE - £603,947 01 January 2024 - 31 March 2024

500000 400000 300000 200000 100000 0

M.B.F.

K.T.

O.S.M.

R.C.C.

Mark Benevolent Fund - £489,197 Knights Templar Benevolent Fund - £100,000 Order of Secret Monitor Benevolent Fund - £12,250 Match Funding Red Cross of Constantine Benevolent Fund - £2,500

19

Mark Masons’ Hall Charity Updates

Spring 2024

Documents to download Click on the documents for individual downloads, or the document icons to explore other forms of the fund.

Grand Master’s Keystone Fund

Grand Sovereign's Care For Children Fund

Individual Donation Application Form

GSCFCF Regular Giving Form - APRIL24

Unit/Province Donation Application Form

St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group

St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group Regular Giving Form St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group Single Donation Form KT Fund of Benevolence Petition Application Form Knights Templar Swift Appeal Form

Secret Monitor Benevolent Fund

Mark Benevolent Fund

OSMBF Petition Form

MBF Gift Aid Declaration Form

OSMBF Honorifics (Application Form Only) - Version Sep 17

MBF Regular Giving Form Version March 21

OSMBF Regular Giving Form May 24

MBF Worthy Causes Application Guidelines

OSMBF Gift Aid Form

MBF Honorifics (Application Form Only)

OSM Honorifics Guide & Annual Review 2022-23

MBF Bank Account Details MBF Petition Application Form (Interactive)

OSMBF Match Funding Guidelines OSMBF Match Funding Application Form

MBF Guide to Honorifics - 02.07.2023 MBF Worthy Causes Application Form MBF One Off Individual Donation Forms MBF One Off Lodge Donation Forms MBF One Off Province Donation Forms

20

Mark Masons’ Hall Charity Updates

Spring 2024

Grand Master’s Keystone Fund Our Grand Master's Keystone Fund Bursary Scheme is to commemorate over 40 years of service to Mark Masonry by our Grand Master, M.W.Bro. HRH Prince Michael of Kent GCVO.

R.A.M.

Mark

O.S.M.

Available for all the Orders administered at Mark Masons’ Hall.

K.T.

A.M.D.

R.C.C.

S.C.

Individual donation - Click here Unit/Province donation - Click here 21

R.S.M.

K.B.H.C.

Click here to see our beautiful Grand Master’s Keystone Fund’s Certificate

Mark Masons’ Hall Charity Updates

Spring 2024

M.B.F. Festival Cheshire 2024 The new-look MBF Stewardship Jewels have now been designed for the following Festivals

2024 Cheshire

2025 Oxfordshire

2026 Hampshire & IOW

2027 Warwickshire

2028 Somerset

2029 Durham

2030 Essex

2031 Northumberland

Please click on the festival or the image above to access the Form. We have added the bank account name to all the forms so please use the latest form and details as found in the links above.

The star denotes the current year’s festival. In order to book your place, please click here. The cut off date for booking is 21 May 2024.

We reported recently that the new style MBF Festival Stewardship is aimed principally, but not, exclusively, at members of each host Festival Province. In return for a qualifying donation of £100, each Steward will be entitled to: A distinctive Stewards’ breast jewel, year bar and pocket jewel holder.

Inclusion of their name in the Festival Stewards’ Roll of Honour in the Festival booklet And for individuals making their first donation under the scheme, qualification as a Life Governor of the Mark Benevolent Fund – the first step on the ladder of honorifics.

Monies raised by the take-up of Festival Stewardships will, of course, be included in each respective Festival total.

22

Mark Masons’ Hall Shop and Dining

Spring 2024

The Shop at 86 | Suppliers of Masonic Regalia & Publications

The shop @86 is the ideal destination for rituals, regalia, and a wide range of accessories catering to all the Orders administered at Mark Masons’ Hall. Additionally, we offer regalia and publications for various other Masonic Orders. Whether you prefer online shopping or visiting us in person at Mark Masons’ Hall, we have you covered.

Website: https://www.shopat86.co.uk/

Contact us at

020 7747 1191

regalia@mmh.org.uk

Hospitality at 86 St James | The Carvery

The carvery is exclusively open to members and their guests. The restaurant operates on selected weekdays from 12pm onwards. You don't need to be a Mason to enjoy at our Carvery Restaurant. Booking in advance is strongly advisable as the restaurant may be fully booked or closed due to larger events taking place at the Hall. You can book via the contact details provided below. Please ensure you adhere to the dress code to avoid any dining restrictions.

Our bar is open to members and the public from 12 pm onwards, and we also provide a selection of finger foods along with hot beverages. If you are not a member of Mark Masons’ Hall, you can fill out a simple form and receive a special discount of 20% at our bar! It is a place where people come to make new friends or connect with old ones!

Contact us at

020 7747 1180 23

info@86stjames.com

Mark Masons’ Hall Calendar of Annual Meetings

Spring 2024

Don't miss out on what's next!

Stay tuned for future events!

Click Here to download a PDF copy of the Calendar 24

Mark Masons’ Hall MMH in Numbers

Spring 2024

MMH Since - 01 September 1979

in numbers

10

07

Orders

Administered from MMH

Dining Rooms

Over100

07 Temples

Countries

Attached and Unattached Units

12

05

Charitable Funds Administered from Mark Masons’ Hall

Grand Meetings Annually, at Freemasons’ Hall, United Grand Lodge of England or Mark Masons’ Hall

29

About

270

Provinces/Districts/Inspectorates 25

Dedicated Staff members

Mark Masons’ Hall The Keystone to Masonic Excellence

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86 St James’s Street | London SW1A 1PL + 44 (0)20 7839 5274 markmasonshall.org